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andrewthommo's picture

By andrewthommo - Posted on 01 October 2011

Hi there

Is there any knowledge that anyone can share as to how running and cycling relate?

Never really heard of any good cyclists having also been good runners but I might be wrong?
Does running help with cycling cardio?

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Brian's picture

Personally I would just stick to cycling. For me its the impact of running my body doesn't handle but it might just be me.

Flynny's picture

Completely different muscle groups used.
Might be good to cross train to balance things out but it will do 4/5 of freak all for cycling performance

Theres a good post of training (mostly to do with cadence on the bike but has some good references to muscle specificity in training) over at rotorburn

http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?2...

Ba

garyinoz's picture

As someone who has done a few half marathons and cycles I have to agree with Flynny. I only run june to september and every year when I start training it's like starting from scratch and my legs ache for days after the first run. The only advantage is that it can help with cardio as there's no coasting when running. I find running also gives me more injuries. Ideally i'd continue running all year but I don't enjoy it enough.

Matt P's picture

Steep hill and / or stair running should be very applicable.

the.flying.al's picture

People who only cycle for years end up with low bone density. Since there is impact with running this benefits bone density.

Its a good idea to mix it up. It makes our fitness more functional even though it doesn't help cycling a lot.

Tristania's picture

Running is good cross training for any sport, and any long cardio workout is beneficial to cycling, though running uses different muscles.

I personally run most weekdays, as well as a weekly 10km run at a fast pace, and believe that my cycling has improved, as well as general fitness.

I recommend it.

Little-Ditty's picture

I am not fitness 'expert'.

But I believe there is no better athletic training for the human body than running and sprinting, period. It is the maximum workout that uses strength, speed and endurance. It is what human bodies were designed to do over millions of years of evolution.

I doubt there will be much commonality between the mucsle fitness enjoyed as a result from cycling as compared to running. Although, endurance and overall aerobic fitness will be complemented I think.

Having played basketball for 25 years, I can tell you that cycling works wonders for increasing my endurance during play. However the basketball has had almost no bearing on my cycling performance, with the exception of increasing or maintaining upper body strength which seems to prove useful for ultra technical riding - which I love.

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